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The best noise cancelling headphones 2026: over-ear and earbuds compared
Updated 21 October 2026
Short answer
The best noise cancelling headphones for most people are the Sony WH-1000XM6: RTINGS calls them the best ANC headphones it has tested, and What Hi-Fi? puts them narrowly ahead of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). If you prefer earbuds, get the Sony WF-1000XM6; iPhone users should pick the AirPods Pro 3. The best value pick is the Bose QuietComfort SC, and the most affordable ANC option here is the Soundcore P31i.
How we chose
For this list we analysed independent reviews and comparisons from HIFI.DE, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, netzwelt and Notebookcheck and cross-checked manufacturer specs. We only included current models sold in Germany in 2026, for example on Amazon.de. We did not lab-test the headphones ourselves. Scores come from the sources named, and manufacturer claims are labelled as such.
What to look for: form factor
Over-ear headphones already block a lot of noise passively thanks to closed ear cups, and they usually last longer. Earbuds are smaller, lighter and better for sport and commuting, but their batteries are much smaller.
What to look for: ANC strength and character
The top models from Sony and Bose are very close on noise cancelling. According to What Hi-Fi?, Bose blocks slightly more and lets you adjust the level, though some people feel a pressure sensation. Sony sounds more natural.
What to look for: battery life
For long-haul flights, around 30 hours with ANC on is worth having, as with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen). With earbuds, check both runtime per charge and the extra charge in the case.
What to look for: phone and codecs
AirPods only show their strengths with an iPhone; there is no Android app. Android users benefit from LDAC (Sony, Soundcore) or aptX Adaptive (Bose), as long as the phone supports the codec.
What to look for: comfort and portability
Weight, padding and clamping force decide whether you can wear headphones for hours. Also check how compactly they fold and whether you get a hard case or only a soft case.
What to look for: multipoint and extras
Multipoint connects the headphones to your phone and laptop at the same time. A good transparency mode, fast charging and, on some models, wired listening over USB-C are also useful.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best noise cancelling headphones?
In current reviews, the Sony WH-1000XM6 come out narrowly on top. RTINGS calls them the best ANC headphones it has tested, and What Hi-Fi? and HIFI.DE rank them just ahead of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). On pure noise cancelling the two are practically tied.
Sony or Bose: which has better noise cancelling?
It is very close. What Hi-Fi? calls ANC a draw: Bose blocks slightly more and is adjustable, while Sony sounds more natural. Reviewers favour Sony for sound and build, while Bose scores with audio over USB-C.
Are ANC earbuds as good as over-ear headphones?
Top earbuds such as the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QC Ultra Earbuds or AirPods Pro 3 come surprisingly close. Over-ears add passive isolation through the ear cups, however, and usually offer much longer battery life.
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it with Android?
Not really. netzwelt points out that there is no Android app and most smart features are missing without an iPhone. Android users are better served by Sony or Soundcore, also because of LDAC.
What is the difference between Bose QuietComfort and QuietComfort SC?
According to HIFI.DE, only the case: SC stands for soft case. The technology, ANC and sound are the same, and the SC is often sold for less.
Is noise cancelling bad for your ears?
No. ANC only produces anti-noise to cancel ambient sound, which means you can even listen at lower volume. Some people feel strong ANC as a pressure sensation; a lower setting or transparency mode helps.